Proclamation 4833 -- African Refugee Relief Day

April 9, 1981
By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

The American people are blessed with freedom and material abundance, yet they are not deaf to
the cries of agony from those who suffer deprivation. Today, cries for help are heard from Africa
where more than 4 million of our fellow human beings have been displaced.

The United States applauds the humanitarian efforts of the nations which take in these refugees.
Host nations are often themselves poor in resources and their willingness to accept refugees is
exemplary of the best in the human spirit.

Americans are a compassionate people and will do their part, either through government or
through voluntary contributions.

With this in mind, Congress has, by joint resolution, requested me to designate April 9, 1981, as
African Refugee Relief Day and to call upon the people of the United States to observe that day
by increasing their awareness of the plight of the African refugee. Further, I call on Americans of
all faiths to involve themselves directly in this problem with their prayers and with contributions to
recognized private voluntary agencies which provide care and relief to African refugees.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
designate April 9, 1981, as African Refugee Relief Day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and fifth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:21 p.m., April 9, 1981]